Public Sector Funding
PSDS Solar Canopy — Up to 100% Capital Grant for Public Sector
NHS Trusts, councils, schools, and universities can access Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme grants covering 30–100% of solar canopy installation cost. We prepare the full application and deliver the project — you provide the sign-off.
Who qualifies for PSDS solar canopy funding?
The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) is open to all public sector bodies in England. Grant levels depend on applicant type and business case strength.
NHS Trusts & Foundation Trusts
Up to 100% grant
Greener NHS Plan alignment, 24/7 baseload match
Acute, community, mental health, ambulance
Local Authorities & Councils
Up to 100% grant
Public decarbonisation target, EV fleet charging
Council car parks, depots, leisure centres
Schools & Academy Trusts
50–80% grant
Multi-academy trust rollout eligible; EV staff charging
Secondary schools, MATs, SEN
Further & Higher Education
30–60% grant
Net zero campus strategies, large car parks
Universities, FE colleges
Emergency Services
Up to 100% grant
Police, fire, ambulance service HQs and stations
Force HQs, fire stations with car parks
Other Public Bodies
Case dependent grant
Housing associations, research councils, arm's-length bodies
Social housing, research campuses
How we deliver a PSDS solar canopy project
Free feasibility and carbon calculation
We pull your half-hourly meter data, model the proposed canopy in PVSyst, and produce a carbon reduction calculation in the format required by PSDS. This is the technical heart of the application — we return it within 5 working days, free of charge.
Expression of Interest preparation
We prepare the 2–3 page PSDS EOI on your behalf, including system description, carbon saving summary, financial appraisal, and strategic fit with your organisation's decarbonisation pathway. You review, sign, and submit. Typically 2–3 days of your time total.
Full business case (if shortlisted)
If shortlisted from EOI, we prepare the full 15–25 page PSDS business case: detailed engineering, whole-life costing, procurement strategy, carbon additionality statement, and spend plan. Again, your team provides the internal documents and sign-off; we do the technical content.
Delivery within the spend window
PSDS funding must be spent within 12–18 months of award. We build this into our programme planning from the start — we begin detailed design immediately after EOI shortlisting so we can mobilise to site as soon as funding is awarded.
MCS commissioning and reporting
We provide the MCS certificate, SEG application, and all PSDS reporting documentation required by Salix Finance at project completion. PSDS projects require photographic and metering evidence of installation — we manage this as part of every public sector handover.
PSDS application — what we do vs what you do
We prepare
- ✓PVSyst yield model and generation forecast
- ✓Carbon reduction calculation (Scope 2)
- ✓Whole-life financial appraisal
- ✓Procurement strategy narrative
- ✓Spend plan and programme
- ✓Technical system description
- ✓EOI and business case drafting
You provide
- →12 months half-hourly meter data
- →Site plan / car park photo
- →Decarbonisation pathway statement
- →Responsible Accounting Officer sign-off
- →Internal procurement approval
- →Organisation details and registration
PSDS application success rate
100%
Every PSDS application we have prepared for a solar canopy project has been awarded funding. We only submit bids we believe will succeed.
→ 3 NHS Foundation Trusts — 100% funding awarded
→ 4 academy trusts — 60–80% funding awarded
→ 2 local councils — 100% funding awarded
Can we stack PSDS with other funding?
- PSDS + OZEV WCS: Yes — EV socket costs can attract OZEV grant (£350/socket, up to 40 sockets) in addition to PSDS funding for the canopy structure.
- PSDS + Salix Finance: Where PSDS covers the canopy and Salix provides a 0% loan for related works (e.g. electrical infrastructure upgrades), the combination is permissible.
- PSDS replaces AIA: Public sector bodies typically don't pay corporation tax, so AIA is irrelevant. PSDS is the equivalent route — and it's a grant, not a tax deferral.
PSDS solar canopy case studies
NHS Foundation Trust, East Midlands
PSDS Phase 3b. Hospital car park, 52 double-cantilever bays. Reroofing restriction ruled out rooftop. PSDS funded 100% of £218,000 canopy cost. 8 EV chargers included. NHS Greener Plan target met 18 months early.
Multi-Academy Trust, North West England
Phase 4 application. Three secondary schools across one MAT. Combined 240 kWp across three separate staff car parks. MAT-level bid reduced admin burden. 70% grant (£126,000); balance funded by academy reserves. EV chargers at each school.
London Borough Council, South London
Council depot and leisure centre car park. Two-site single application. 100% capital grant (£134,000). UKPN G99 was the longest part of the programme at 18 weeks. Canopy operational 11 months from EOI submission.
PSDS solar canopy — frequently asked questions
Start your PSDS application today
Send us your meter data and car park dimensions. We prepare the full PSDS business case, handle all technical content, and have delivered a 100% application success rate for solar canopy projects. No upfront cost, no commitment until award.
Request PSDS application support